scholarly journals Meteorological and Salix species (S. acutifolia, S. smithiana, S. viminalis) phenological trends in central Italy

2021 ◽  
pp. 81-88
Author(s):  
Fabio Orlandi ◽  
Aldo Ranfa ◽  
Luigia Ruga ◽  
Chiara Proietti ◽  
Marco Fornaciari
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Development ◽  
Climate Changes ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Plant Phenology ◽  
Significant Trend ◽  
Meteorological Variables ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Phenological Garden ◽  
Fallen Leaves ◽  
Vegetative Phases

Plant phenology, through opportune observing and interpreting techniques can be useful to interpret the eventual plant vegetative and reproductive adaptation to climate changes. Some plants of Salix acutifolia Willd., S. smithiana Willd. and S. viminalis L. were considered in a phenological garden in central Italy for analysing their phenological growth stages according to the International gardens network indications during a 10-year period (2008-2017) which allowed us to realize some preliminary trend analyses. The 3 Salix species showed different behaviours in the same cultivation area. S. acutifolia manifested no trend for spring and autumnal phases, S. viminalis presented low significant trends while S. Smithiana was that with the more evident tendencies for all the considered vegetative phases during the study period. The reproductive phase (BBCH 65) showed no significant trend for any Salix species during the study period not being influenced by the different meteorological variables and suggesting that photoperiod in this case may play an important role. The more evident phenological trends were represented for 2 Salix species by the advance of the leaf development during spring and by the progressive delay of the senescence during the last part of the summer, with the fallen leaves phase that was recorded averagely 2 weeks later during the last years of the study period. 

Meteorological and geographical control on stable isotope signature of precipitation in a Western Mediterranean area (Tuscany, Central Italy)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Natali ◽  
Giovanni Zanchetta ◽  
Ilaria Baneschi ◽  
Marco Doveri ◽  
Roberto Giannecchini
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Hydrological Cycle ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Precipitation Amount ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Meteorological Variables ◽  
Stable Water Isotopes ◽  
Fractionation Factor ◽  
Monthly Data

<p>Stable water isotopes of precipitation are widely used to track processes occurring within the hydrological cycle and to understand regional atmospheric patterns that influence a specific area. Moreover, the use of the oxygen isotopic composition in continental carbonates (e.g. speleothems) is a well-established practice to reconstruct climatic variations in the recent past. In the Mediterranean basin, the continental carbonate δ<sup>18</sup>O is generally used as a proxy of paleo-precipitation since the water-calcite fractionation factor is able to compensate the δ<sup>18</sup>O-T gradient of about 0.2‰/°C typical of rainfall in this area. However, few comprehensive investigations were performed in the Western Mediterranean in order to analyze the statistical relationships between measured stable isotopes in precipitation and meteorological variables, and none of them accounted for the possible seasonality in these relationships. Understanding the degree of dependence of the rainfall isotopic signature from precipitation amount and temperature at present day is of primary importance in Tuscany (Central-Western Italy), where many performed palaeohydrological studies require a more precise and quantitative interpretation. To this end, in the present study 560 isotope monthly data (δ<sup>18</sup>O, δ<sup>2</sup>H, and deuterium excess) of precipitation collected in 11 sites through Tuscany from 1971 to 2018 were gathered in a database. A large part of dataset was extracted from GNIP database (and integrated with new data) or derived from local hydrogeological studies, whereas 83 new measurements were produced at two novel sites. Then, only sites whose monthly data covered almost one year were considered for processing, resulting in 474 precipitation samples archived along with monthly mean temperature and rainfall amount. In this framework, a LMWL for Tuscany Region was determined for the first time by applying different regression techniques. A Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was performed to summarize the strength and direction of the relationship between stable isotope signatures of precipitation and meteorological variables, both at monthly and annual timescale. The monthly correlation was also investigated on seasonal basis. Finally, the influence of local geographical effects (altitude, distance to the coast, etc.) on the isotopic signals registered at different sites was evaluated.</p>

scholarly journals The Content of Phenolic Acids and Flavonols in the Leaves of Nine Varieties of Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L.) Depending on Their Development, Grown in Central Europe

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (15) ◽  
pp. 3473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Krochmal-Marczak ◽  
Tomasz Cebulak ◽  
Ireneusz Kapusta ◽  
Jan Oszmiański ◽  
Joanna Kaszuba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sweet Potato ◽  
Phenolic Acids ◽  
Leaf Development ◽  
Growth Stage ◽  
Polyphenolic Compounds ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Potato Leaf ◽  
Antioxidant Power ◽  
Sweet Potato Leaves

The aim of the study was the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the bioactive components present in the leaves of 9 sweet potato cultivars grown in the moderate climate in Poland, which were harvested at different growth stages according to the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie) scale (14, 51, 89). It was found that sweet potato leaves contained 7 polyphenolic compounds, including 5 chlorogenic acids—neochlorogenic acid (5-CQA), chlorogenic acid (3-CQA), 4-cryptochlorogenic acid (4-CQA), 34-di-O-caffeoylqunic acid (3,4-CQA), 3,5-di-O-caffeoylqunic acid (3,5-CQA)—and 2 flavonoids, quercetin-3-O-galactoside (Q-3-GA) and quercetin-3-O-glucoside (Q-3-GL). Their content depended on the genotype of the examined cultivars and on the stage of leaf development. The mean content of the identified polyphenolic compounds in the examined cultivars ranged from 148.2 to 14.038.6 mg/100 g−1 DM for the leaves harvested at growth stage 14 according to the BBCH scale. In the case of leaves harvested at BBCH stage 51, the concentration of polyphenolic compounds ranged from 144.76 to 5026.8 mg/100 g−1 DM and at BBCH stage 89 from 4078.1 to 11.183.5 mg/100 g−1 DM. The leaves of the Carmen Rubin cultivar collected at stage 14 contained the highest amount of polyphenolic compounds, while Okinava leaves had the highest amount of these compounds at stage 51. The highest content of polyphenolic compounds in leaves at BBCH growth stage 89 was found in the Radiosa variety. The highest concentration levels were found for 3-CQA at all stages of leaf development. Significant correlations between polyphenol content and antioxidant activity measured by 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) were found. The results of this experiment revealed that the growth stages and genetic properties of cultivars have a very significant influence on the content of phenolic acids and flavonols in sweet potato leaves. The results are innovative and can have a practical application, as the knowledge of the content of the substances under study makes it possible to determine the optimal management practice of sweet potato leaf harvest in order to obtain more top-quality raw material.

scholarly journals Willow phenological modelling at different altitudes in central Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 192 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Orlandi ◽  
Luigia Ruga ◽  
Marco Fornaciari
Keyword(s):  
Central Italy ◽  
Historical Record ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Prediction Tools ◽  
Willow Species ◽  
Full Flowering ◽  
Phenological Modelling ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Vegetative Phases ◽  
Different Altitudes

AbstractIn order to estimate the impact of climate change on the phenological parameters and to compare them with the historical record, a decision support system (DSS) has been applied employing a Phenological Modelling Platform. Biological observations of two willow species (Salix acutifolia and smithiana Willd) in 3 gardens at different altitudes located in Central Italy were utilized to identify suitable phenological models related to four main vegetative phase timings (BBCH11, BBCH91, BBCH 94, BBCH95), and male full flowering (BBCH 65) clearly identifiable in these species. The present investigation identifies the best phenological models for the main phenophases allowing their practical application as real-time monitoring and plant development prediction tools. Sigmoid model revealed high performances in simulating spring vegetative phases, BBCH11 (First leaves unfolded), and BBCH91 (Shoot and foliage growth completed). Salix acutifolia Willd. development appeared to be more related to temperature amount interpreted by phenological models in comparison to Salix smithiana Willd. above all during spring (BBCH11 and 91), probably due to a different grade of phenotypic plasticity between the 2 considered species.

Variations of winter wheat growth stages under climate changes in northern China

2011 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 623-631 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian-Ying YANG ◽  
Xu-Rong MEI ◽  
Qin LIU ◽  
Chang-Rong YAN ◽  
Wen-Qing HE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Winter Wheat ◽  
Climate Changes ◽  
Northern China ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Wheat Growth

scholarly journals Factors Involved on Tiger-Stripe Foliar Symptom Expression of Esca of Grapevine

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1041
Author(s):  
Francesco Calzarano ◽  
Giancarlo Pagnani ◽  
Michele Pisante ◽  
Mirella Bellocci ◽  
Giuseppe Cillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Symptom Expression ◽  
Strong Response ◽  
Water Index ◽  
High Calcium ◽  
Calcium Magnesium ◽  
Different Growth Stages

Esca of grapevine causes yield losses correlated with incidence and severity symptom expression. Factors associated with leaf symptom mechanisms are yet to be fully clarified. Therefore, in 2019 and 2020, macro and microelement analyses and leaf reflectance measurements were carried out on leaves at different growth stages in a vineyard located in Abruzzo, central Italy. Surveys were carried out on leaves of both never leaf-symptomatic vines and different categories of diseased vine shoots. Never leaf-symptomatic and diseased vines were also treated with a fertilizer mixture that proved to be able to limit the symptom expression. Results showed that untreated asymptomatic diseased vines had high calcium contents for most of the vegetative season. On the contrary, treated asymptomatic diseased vines showed higher contents of calcium, magnesium, and sodium, at berries pea-sized, before the onset of symptoms. These vines had better physiological efficiency showing higher water index (WI), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI) values, compared to untreated asymptomatic vines, at fruit set. Results confirmed the strong response of the plant to symptom expression development and the possibility of limiting this response with calcium and magnesium applications carried out before the symptom onset.

scholarly journals The Diatomic Diversity of Two Mediterranean High-Elevation Lakes in the Sibillini Mountains National Park (Central Italy)

Environments ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 79
Author(s):  
Rosalba Padula ◽  
Antonella Carosi ◽  
Alessandro Rossetti ◽  
Massimo Lorenzoni
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Management ◽  
National Park ◽  
Climate Changes ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Heterogeneity ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Changes Over Time

Temporary high-elevation lakes represent vulnerable and unstable environments strongly threatened by tourism, hydrogeological transformations and climate changes. In-depth scientific knowledge on these peculiar habitats is needed, on which to base integrated and sustainable management plans. Freshwater diatoms, thanks to their high diversity and their particular sensitivity to the water chemistry, can be considered powerful ecological indicators, as they are able to reflect environmental changes over time. The aim of the present study was to analyze the diatomic diversity of the Pilato and Palazzo Borghese lakes, two small temporary high-mountain basins, falling in a protected area within the Apennine mountains chain (central Italy). Diatoms data were collected, at the same time as 12 physicochemical parameters, through six microhabitat samplings, from 17 June to 30 August 2019. In both lakes, a total of 111 diatomic species and varieties were identified. The most species-rich genera were Gomphonema, Navicula, and Nitzschia. The Pilato Lake showed a diatomic community dominated by few species, favored by more stable and predictable environmental conditions than the Palazzo Borghese Lake, which hosted a more diversified community, guaranteed by greater spatial and temporal heterogeneity. Both lakes were characterized by the presence of diatomic species typical of good quality waters. The occurrence of numerous aerial species reflected adaptation strategies adopted to colonize environments subjected to extended drought periods. Endangered diatomic species of particular conservational interest were recorded, confirming the need to preserve their habitats.

scholarly journals Phenological Study of Elaeis guineensis (Jacq.) Growing in Ihiala, Anambra State, South-East Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Ochia, M. Angela ◽  
Ekwealor, U. Kenneth ◽  
Njom S. Victor ◽  
Mbaukwu A. Onyinye ◽  
Iroka, F. Chisom
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Development ◽  
Elaeis Guineensis ◽  
Secondary Growth ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Phenological Data ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
The Family ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
Elaeis Guineensis Jacq ◽  
Time Frames

The aim of the study was to provide a phenological data and baseline information on the phenology of Elaeis guineensis Jacq. The study was conducted with exotic species at Ihiala, South-East, Nigeria, a tropical climate. The initiation and completion of different phenophases of the tree, such as budding, leafing, flowering, fruiting and ripening were recorded at two weeks interval. The combination of the principal growth stages and the secondary growth stages produced 2-digit codes, were used to delineate the time-dependent phenophases. The results revealed that E. guineensis showed a cyclical and seasonal appearance of the phenophases observed in the course of the year. Bud formation and leaf development phenophases were very gradual and steady across the months observed. Peak flowering time of August through November and peak ripening time of April was recorded in this study. Also, the study revealed that difference existed in the extent of phenophases of the observed species. The study also showed that E. guineensis belong to the family (Arecaceae) had different time frames for the phenophases. It is concluded that the phenological records obtained from the study can be very useful in planning and management of orchards, and can provide reference records in tracing changes in the phenology of E. guineensis in the future.

scholarly journals Analysis of rainfed alfalfa evapotranspiration measured by an eddy covariance system

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (2s) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Vinci ◽  
L. Vergni ◽  
F. Todisco ◽  
F. Mannocchi
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Eddy Covariance ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Original Data ◽  
Water Model ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Concentration Data ◽  
Eddy Covariance System

The aim of this study was to quantify the evapotranspiration (ETec) of a rainfed alfalfa crop using the eddy covariance technique. The study was carried out during the alfalfa growing seasons (April- August 2009, April-August 2010) at the experimental farm of the University of Perugia. In central Italy alfalfa is grown for 3 to 4 years continuously, with at least 3 cutting cycles for year (usually between April and August) and a dormant period in winter. For the quantification of ETec an open-path eddy covariance system (EC) was used. The derivation of water and energy fluxes starting from raw wind, temperature and gas concentration data by means of the EC technique implies a remarkably long sequence of operations including calibration, corrections and statistical tests for assessing data quality. These operations were carried out by the EddyPro® software. After that, the output data were used for the flux-partitioning and all original data, flagged with a quality indicator with non-turbulent conditions, were dismissed. Then the gap-filling of the EC and meteorological data was performed to obtain reliable values. Furthermore the test of the energy balance closure gave satisfactory results. The ETec dynamics were consistent with the growth stages and the cuttings during both 2009 and 2010. Furthermore the comparison between the tabulated crop coefficients (Kc) and the ratio of ETec to reference evapotranspiration (ET0) was performed. This analysis showed a good agreement during the 2nd cutting cycle (May-June) for both 2009 and 2010, whilst during the 3rd cutting cycle (July-August) the ratio ETec/ET0 was considerably lower than Kc for both years. The reason of this behavior was found in the presence of water stress conditions during the last cutting cycle. This fact was confirmed by the application of a bucket soil water model, used as an exploratory, not confirmatory, tool to analyze the soil water availability dynamics during the growing season. Additional measurement campaigns will be carried out in order to deepen the knowledge about the Kc dynamics in rainfed crops and to assess the productivity of water under various meteorological and agricultural conditions.

scholarly journals Propane Flaming as a New Approach to Control Mediterranean Invasive Weeds

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alon Horesh ◽  
Yaakov Goldwasser ◽  
Karam Igbariya ◽  
Zvi Peleg ◽  
Ran Nisim Lati
Keyword(s):  
Climate Changes ◽  
Cyperus Rotundus ◽  
Sorghum Halepense ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Anthropogenic Activity ◽  
Response Analysis ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Invasive Weeds ◽  
Control Efficacy ◽  
Invasive Weed

In recent decades, anthropogenic activity and climate changes have reshaped global weed dispersal and establishment in new territories. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of propane flaming approach in the control of perennial invasive and native Mediterranean broadleaf and grass weeds. The invasive weeds, Cyperus rotundus, Sorghum halepense, and Ecballium elaterium, were treated multiple times with a single propane dose (2.5 kg propane km−1), using the broadcast technique. The local annual weeds, Sinapis arvensis, Lavatera trimestris, and Avena sativa, were treated once at five propane doses (0–2.5 kg propane km−1), using the cross-row technique. Dose-response analysis was performed. Three applications provided effective control (up to >90%) for all tested perennials, and affected seed and flower production in Sorghum halepense and Ecballium elaterium, respectively. However, the timing of the sequential application had a significant impact on the degree of control, in terms of dry weight reduction and seed production. Weed density had an impact on control efficacy but was only a significant determinant for Ecballium elaterium. Cross-row application was effective during early growth stages of broadleaf weeds (ED50 < 1.2 kg propane km−1), but was less effective during later growth stages (ED50 > 2.6 kg propane km−1). For grass weeds, both early and late application were ineffective (ED50 > 4.1 kg propane km−1). More research is needed to optimize this weed control tactic for various cropping systems and weed species. Implementation of this novel approach into integrated weed management programs will increase the control efficacy of invasive weed under the projected climate changes and reduce the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds.

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